Benefits from involvement of Eastern Partnership countries in the EU civilian missions discussed in Brussels

EU Eastern Partners could be better deeper involved in the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, a representative of the Lithuanian Presidency said at the discussion organized by the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU in cooperation with Belgium’s Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels on September 26.

“Most countries participating in the meeting already have sufficient capabilities to contribute to the civilian crisis management missions and successfully cooperate with the EU member states in strengthening the rule of law, improving border management, enhancing capabilities by the third countries and carrying out other functions of the Common Security and Defence Policy missions,” said Mindaugas Rukštelė, Head of the International Missions and Conflict Prevention Division of the Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy Department.

The discussion on the practical aspects and benefits of the Eastern Partnership countries’ involvement in the Common Security and Defence Policy missions was attended by representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as well as experts from the European External Action Service, member states, Switzerland, European Security and Defence College and the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex).

The event was initiated by Lithuania as a part of the agenda of its Presidency of the EU Council aiming to put focus on the Eastern Partnership countries’ expectations and capabilities.

The Commander of the EU Civilian Operations Hansjörg Haber noted that the fully-fledged participation of partners in the civilian missions sends a signal of political support and involvement, which increases the reliability of the CSDP actions. Representatives of the Eastern Partnership countries stated that meetings of this kind improve their understanding of the EU instruments for civilian crisis management and contributes to preparedness for possible participation in common action. They expressed hope for such meetings to take place regularly.

In run up to the round table discussion the participants attended a course “CSDP Missions and Operations: from Planning and Launching to Recruitment and Deployment”. It took place on September 23–25 in Brussels and will be continued in Stockholm on November 12–15.

Benefits from involvement of Eastern Partnership countries in the EU civilian missions discussed in Brussels

26 September 2013 Last updated at 16:06 EET

EU Eastern Partners could be better deeper involved in the civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, a representative of the Lithuanian Presidency said at the discussion organized by the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU in cooperation with Belgium’s Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels on September 26.

“Most countries participating in the meeting already have sufficient capabilities to contribute to the civilian crisis management missions and successfully cooperate with the EU member states in strengthening the rule of law, improving border management, enhancing capabilities by the third countries and carrying out other functions of the Common Security and Defence Policy missions,” said Mindaugas Rukštelė, Head of the International Missions and Conflict Prevention Division of the Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy Department.

The discussion on the practical aspects and benefits of the Eastern Partnership countries’ involvement in the Common Security and Defence Policy missions was attended by representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as well as experts from the European External Action Service, member states, Switzerland, European Security and Defence College and the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex).

The event was initiated by Lithuania as a part of the agenda of its Presidency of the EU Council aiming to put focus on the Eastern Partnership countries’ expectations and capabilities.

The Commander of the EU Civilian Operations Hansjörg Haber noted that the fully-fledged participation of partners in the civilian missions sends a signal of political support and involvement, which increases the reliability of the CSDP actions. Representatives of the Eastern Partnership countries stated that meetings of this kind improve their understanding of the EU instruments for civilian crisis management and contributes to preparedness for possible participation in common action. They expressed hope for such meetings to take place regularly.

In run up to the round table discussion the participants attended a course “CSDP Missions and Operations: from Planning and Launching to Recruitment and Deployment”. It took place on September 23–25 in Brussels and will be continued in Stockholm on November 12–15.